Company and Owner Background
DistinctAV was founded in January 2005 by Derek Cowburn. With a background in computers and a Mechanical Engineering degree, Derek has over 17 years experience in commercial building automation, lighting, and security systems. He spent 9 years with Merck & Co. responsible for the expansion, maintenance, and operation of their facility automation systems. Derek consulted to Deloitte & Touche for 2 years providing solutions to Fortune 500 companies then purchased Energy Options, a systems integrator in New Jersey. In 3 years as President, he grew the company from 18 to 35 employees and had annual sales over $7.2MM. After selling EO he was recruited as Product Development Director in 2002 for Automation Quality Initiative--a joint venture Rockwell Automation/Eli Lilly project.
Derek formed DistinctAV after seeing a market for middle to upper echelon customers needing exciting and reliable home Audio/Video, lighting, and control systems. Seeing so many installed systems that were incomplete, excessive, inadequate, difficult to use or downright cumbersome, Derek focused his team on providing "right-sized and thoughtful" solutions*. The customer’s lifestyle is considered and completely understood before any designs are started. How they entertain, what they enjoy doing in their house, and what message they want to convey to guests, ultimately dictates the design.
All our core competencies are performed by our in-house staff. The only outsourced activities are specialty craft work like faux finishing, framing and millwork, and electricians. Our project managers can recommend sub-contractors and manage the entire job, or provide a list of quality craftspeople.
The large showroom and design center in Fishers allows customers to experience advanced systems working in a home-like environment. The showroom is also available for hosting seminars, presentations, and private meetings up to 100 people.
DistinctAV is growing in the Indianapolis area and regularly provides custom solutions as far as Bloomington, Muncie, and Lafayette. We will travel anywhere in the world for our loyal customers!
* "Thoughtful" does not mean boring or unimpressive. Derek can describe more cool features than you ever knew were possible for the price. Ask for an in-home or plan-review consultation with Derek. If you're not smiling and excited when you're done, there's no charge for the consultation! (We never charge for consultations).